View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does O'Neill encourage the readers to do in order to substantiate his account of the Dick Cavett Show?

2. What does Kerry claim his nickname was in Vietnam?

3. What does Kerry claim about his request to enter the military that is not supported by any military records?

4. As a result of his poor performance, how did the audience react to Kerry at the end of the Dick Cavett Show?

5. What did Kerry have a high regard for, according to those who served with him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did O'Neill first do to challenge Kerry on his testimony, and how did Kerry respond?

2. How did the debate between O'Neill and Kerry begin, and what was the outcome?

3. What were Kerry's reasons for choosing the Swift Boats to serve on?

4. How did O'Neill finally have the chance to debate Kerry in 1971?

5. What is an example of the report that Kerry lacked the nerves for combat and often would overreact to situations?

6. What is the significance of O'Neill's suggestion that the readers of the book view the video of the debate between him and Kerry?

7. How did Kerry initially try to avoid serving in the war?

8. How was Kerry awarded the Silver Star?

9. What does Captain Plumly report about Kerry's service, and how does that correspond to the reports of his trips to Saigon?

10. What were the circumstances around the award of Kerry's second Purple Heart, and how does it parallel the first?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Vietnam Veterans Against the War was a big part of Kerry's anti-war agenda and the start of his political ambitions.

1) How did the VVAW begin and why was Kerry chosen to be the leader?

2) Who were the primary members of the VVAW and why did their identities prevent their claims from being taken seriously?

3) Describe 3 events involving the VVAW that illustrate their motives and unethical actions.

Essay Topic 2

Following Kerry's testimony, many soldiers in Vietnam experienced the backlash from it. Describe three ways that Kerry's speech was used against the soldiers in the war and why it was an effective tool for the enemy. Also, explain the effect Kerry's testimony had on the soldiers who were returning home and the reception they received.

Essay Topic 3

O'Neill gives a first hand account of the Swift Boat Veterans Reunion in 2003.

1) Describe the events of the reunion, Kerry's reception and actions, and how they compared with the other Swift Boat Veterans' reception and actions. Why is that contrast significant?

2) Who is Joe Ponder? Why does O'Neill think he had the most memorable moment of the reunion? How does Ponder's part in the reunion add to the doubt the authors are showing as far as Kerry's credibility is concerned?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,148 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample